Watson to market, distribute authorized generic ADHD drug

MORRISTOWN, N.J. Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals will distribute an authorized generic version of a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Watson said Tuesday.

Watson entered an agreement with Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals to distribute an authorized generic of Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) extended-release tablets. An authorized generic is a branded drug sold under its generic name, usually by a third-party company.

Under the agreement, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen will manufacture and supply the authorized generic Concerta, and Watson will market and distribute it, while the former receives a share of the net sales. Watson will have the ability to pursue Food and Drug Administration approval for a generic version of Concerta and will be permitted to launch it after the agreement with Ortho-McNeil-Janssen expires at the end of 2014. Concerta’s patent protection for use in adults expires in January 2017, while protection for its use in children expires a year later, according to the FDA.

Concerta had sales of around $1.3 billion during the 12-month period ended in June, according to IMS Health.